Method and apparatus for setting programmable features of motor vehicle

ABSTRACT

An interactive interface facilitates the setting of preferences and other programmable parameters of a motor vehicle. The interface is hosted by a server on a global computer network. The motor vehicle owner initiates a connection to the server and is presented with a graphical user interface for setting the preferences and features of the motor vehicle. Once the desired settings have been made, they are transferred to the motor vehicle using a portable transfer device, which may comprise a key for operating the motor vehicle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/155,531 filedMay 24, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,882,712, which is acontinuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/415,299, filed Oct. 8,1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,483,906, which is a continuation-in-part ofapplication Ser. No. 09/351,270, filed Jul. 12, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No.6,256,378, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.09/235,709, filed Jan. 22, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,415,023.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of motor vehicles. Moreparticularly, the invention provides a method and apparatus forconveniently setting various programmable features of a motor vehicleusing a graphical user interface accessed with a computer.

2. Prior Art

Motor vehicles, and automobiles in particular, have grown increasinglycomplex. A modern automobile may contain as many as fiftymicroprocessors controlling a wide variety of operational andconvenience features. While much of the processing power is devoted tofunctions that are transparent to the driver, the number ofdriver-selectable features and options has increased tremendously. Forexample, automobiles may include driver controls for seating position,seat temperature, cabin temperature, cabin ventilation, cabinillumination, dash illumination, audio entertainment, navigation,suspension compliance and transmission shift-mode, to name only a few.Providing driver control of all of these functions has led to aproliferation of knobs, buttons, switches and other controls in manyautomobiles.

The increased number of driver controls is not without its drawbacks.Typically, drivers must refer to increasingly voluminous owner's manualsto understand the various controls available and learn how to operatethem. Naturally, different drivers have different preferences and thiscan result in a lengthy process of changing settings each time adifferent driver enters the vehicle. Furthermore, the increasedcomplexity of driver controls is a distraction to the driver andnegatively affects traffic safety.

Efforts have been made to simplify the driver/vehicle interface. Onesuch effort is the “iDrive” system introduced by BMW. This systememploys a video display and a driver-operated “joystick” to replace manyof the individual controls. The system is reported to control more thanseven hundred functions. While the system succeeds in eliminating muchof the dashboard clutter, it results in as much, if not more, driverdistraction than with conventional controls.

Another effort to simplify the driver/vehicle interface (and one that isemployed in conjunction with BMW's “iDrive” system) is voicerecognition. The vehicle is programmed to learn and respond to certainspoken commands. However, voice recognition technology is still in itsinfancy and spoken commands are not consistently understood, especiallyin a typically noisy vehicle environment.

There remains a need for a system and method of interfacing with themyriad of controllable features in a modern automobile withoutdistracting the driver when actually operating the automobile.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for settingpreferences and other parameters of a motor vehicle. In certainembodiments of the invention, a user initiates a connection to aninteractive site on a global computer network. The site hosts agraphical user interface with which preferences and other parameters ofa motor vehicle may be set by the user. In some embodiments, set-up datafor the motor vehicle may be transferred directly to the motor vehiclefrom the interactive site. In other embodiments, set-up data for themotor vehicle are transferred from the user's computer to a transferdevice where it is temporarily stored. The transfer device, which maycomprise a key for operating the motor vehicle, is then used to programthe features of the motor vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an embodiment of the inventionwherein a motor vehicle receives data from a local computer via atransfer device.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of theinvention wherein a motor vehicle receives data directly from aninteractive site server.

FIG. 3 illustrates a graphical user interface for setting programmablefeatures of a vehicle entertainment system.

FIG. 4 illustrates a graphical user interface for setting programmablefeatures of a vehicle climate control system.

FIG. 5 illustrates a graphical user interface for customizing a vehiclecontrol/display panel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and notlimitation, specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will beapparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may bepracticed in other embodiments that depart from these specific details.In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known methods anddevices are omitted so as to not obscure the description of the presentinvention with unnecessary detail.

A first embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1. A motorvehicle 10 receives set-up data from a local computer 12 via a transferdevice 16. In a typical application, local computer 12 is a generalpurpose personal computer of the type now widely found in homes andoffices. Details of computer 12 are not particularly relevant to theinvention and are not shown. Typically, computer 12 will comprise, at aminimum, a processing unit, a keyboard and a display. Additional inputdevices, such as a mouse or other pointing device, and output devices,such as a printer, may also be included as part of computer 12.

Local computer 12 is coupled to a remote interactive site server 14 by atelecommunications link. In a typical embodiment of the invention,interactive site server 14 would be accessible via the World Wide Web.Other appropriate means for connecting computer 12 to server 14 couldalso be employed. Server 14 contains programming for interactivelysetting the programmable features of motor vehicle 10. Preferably,server 14 presents to the owner of motor vehicle 10, via computer 12, agraphical user interface that is tailored to motor vehicle 10 and theprogrammable features thereof.

Transfer device 16 receives the programming data from local computer 12by a wired or wireless connection to computer 12. A wired connection maycomprise a serial bus configured in accordance with any of theappropriate industry standards, such as, for example, universal serialbus (USB), “FireWire”, etc. Wireless connections may comprise optical,audio, magnetic, inductive, infrared or radio frequency coupling. Onewireless communication protocol suitable for use with the presentinvention is the “Bluetooth” protocol, which is now becoming widelyinstalled in home computer systems. Another wireless communicationprotocol that may be employed with the present invention fortransferring data from local computer 12 to transfer device 16 is thevideo data transfer protocol described in co-pending application Ser.No. 10/155,531 and its predecessor applications. Transfer device 16 alsocommunicates with motor vehicle 10 by means of a wired or wirelessconnection with a suitable protocol, such as any of those mentionedabove.

Communications between local computer 12 and transfer device 16 andbetween the transfer device and motor vehicle 10 may be either one-way(namely, from the home computer to the transfer device and then to thevehicle) or two-way. However, significant advantages are realized whenutilizing two-way communication. Two-way communication allows“synchronization” of the motor vehicle with a “virtual” motor vehiclemaintained at the site server 14. Many of the features and settings ofthe motor vehicle can be controlled directly by the driver while in themotor vehicle. By periodically returning transfer device 16 to computer12 and reestablishing a connection with server 14, the virtual motorvehicle can be updated with any changes in the settings of the realmotor vehicle.

Another advantage of two-way communications is that it may be used tofacilitate remote troubleshooting of the motor vehicle. Data from themotor vehicle may be transferred to computer 12, and from there to themotor vehicle manufacturer, dealer or other support facility via anInternet or email connection. Analysis of the data can then be used toissue appropriate repair orders. In some cases, repairs may beeffectuated by downloading corrective software or firmware in the samemanner that feature set-up is accomplished.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, transfer device 16 may be configured as adevice with a USB or other serial bus connection 17 and an internalflash memory or other suitable non-volatile memory device. Such atransfer device is easily portable and may be conveniently carried on akey chain. Transfer device 16 may be simply plugged into a cooperatingserial port on local computer 12. In this regard, most home computersare now equipped with easily accessible USB ports. Motor vehicle 10 mayalso have a cooperating serial port on the dash or console. Operation ofmotor vehicle 10 may be enabled with a conventional key. Alternatively,however, transfer device 16 may itself function as a key to enableoperation of the motor vehicle. In either case, it is preferred thateach driver of the motor vehicle have his or her own transfer device sothat the vehicle will be automatically configured to that driver'spreferences whenever the driver inserts the transfer device into thereceiving port.

Transfer device 16 may be configured in numerous other ways. Forexample, a recordable compact disk (CD) or digital video disk (DVD)could be employed as a transfer device. In this case, set-up data wouldbe written onto the CD or DVD at local computer 12 and the disk wouldthen be loaded into a suitable drive in the motor vehicle. Such anapproach is more suitable for one-way communication than two-waycommunication.

It is also possible to configure a system in which motor vehicle 10receives set-up data directly from local computer 12 without a transferdevice. This can be accomplished by establishing a telephonic connectionwith the motor vehicle. In this regard, motor vehicles are increasinglybeing equipped with built-in telecommunications capabilities forimplementing a variety of so called “telematic” functions. Thecommunication path might also involve a combination of wired andwireless protocols. For example, local computer 12 may have a wirelesslink to an in-home transceiver, which is connected to a remotetransceiver in the motor vehicle's garage or other parking area by awired connection. The wired connection may comprise a data communicationbus or a communication signal may be carried as a modulation on thehousehold wiring. The garage transceiver then communicates with themotor vehicle using a wireless protocol.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention. In thiscase, set-up data for motor vehicle 10 is received directly from server14 rather than through local computer 12. From the motor vehicle owner'sperspective, the preference setting interface is otherwise identical tothe previously described embodiments. Site server 14 may establish adirect telephonic or other suitable communication connection with motorvehicle 10.

The graphical user interface with which a user sets the functions andpreferences of the motor vehicle may be highly sophisticated. Theoptions that may be provided are virtually limitless. The followinglists some of the functions that could be implemented using the presentinvention. Many of these allow a driver to personalize his or her carmuch as cell phones are personalized with distinctive cases, ring tones,greeting messages, etc.

Interior

Entertainment

Radio

-   -   Driver enters ZIP code and finds all local radio stations.        Driver may select by station frequency, ID, genre (jazz, pop,        talk, etc.), or signal strength, and assign to presets on dash        or on touch display.    -   Optionally, set up to scan among chosen stations until the one        desired is tuned. Say “OK” and the radio will stay on the        currently tuned station. Choose the scan delay time (3 sec, 5        sec, etc.)    -   Select option to seek out the same genre of station driver was        listening to in a new area whenever signal strength falls below        a preset level.    -   Specify favorite stations and/or programs and the audio system        will switch at the designated day/time, e.g., on weekdays: NPR        in the morning until 9:00, classical radio station until 2:00,        sports station until 5:00, news, weather, and traffic until        6:30. Choose different schedule line-up for weekends.    -   If not in the car when favorite radio program starts, have the        system record it (time-shift radio). Play back with the ability        to pause, rewind, FF, skip, preserve segments, etc.

CD Changer

-   -   Driver places CDs for use in car into CD drive of home computer.

Application program reads the CDs and creates a play list that istransferred to car.

-   -   Specify favorite songs to play in a desired order or at random.    -   Play sources at random alternating or predetermined way with        preferred radio stations and/or programs and/or MP3 tunes.

MP3 Tunes

-   -   Use transfer device to move MP3 files to the car.    -   Create play list as above.    -   All audio sources can be programmed to play in an almost        infinite way based on time, day of the week or programmed        “function button.”

Sound & Source Management

-   -   Mix and match radio, CDs, MP3s by time of day, randomly, etc.    -   Set audio level for radio, CD and/or MP3 player to be used when        car is started.    -   Set a “default” source.    -   Select whether play continues with the same source at the same        volume when car is started in the morning, or switches to a        different predetermined source at a different volume (e.g.,        system automatically defaults to AM traffic source if it's        between 7:00 and 8:00 AM).    -   Optimize sound for driver or for cabin.    -   Set equalization manually or for a specific genre of music—i.e.,        whenever radio is on jazz station, system defaults to driver's        “jazz” EQ.    -   RESET to factory defaults.

Reminders

-   -   Driver may type in any manner of reminders or notes to be read        back by voice synthesis at the push of a button at any set time        or interval.    -   Reminders can be played back in the car or from the home        computer.        Climate Control

Filter

-   -   Automatic or manual.    -   Recirculate air, or don't, or mix in a selectable ratio.

Fan

-   -   Set preferred default setting for fan speed using slider from        MIN to MAX.

On MIN setting fan blows gently even if a large cabin-temperature changeis required. On MAX setting fan blows at full speed until desired cabintemp is achieved. Slider allows for any speed in between.

Comfort Index

-   -   Select relative weights of IR sensor, outside and inside temps        to optimize comfort for the driver (it can be cool outside but        the IR detector sees lots of IR, so it thinks it's summer and        the air conditioner comes on). Include humidity in the relative        comfort index as below.

Timed Temperature Preset

-   -   High and low temperature thresholds can be set and the car can        automatically bring cabin temperature to within a selected        comfort level at a designated time of day. For example, the        system may be programmed to start 5 minutes before a regularly        scheduled departure time. As a safety precaution, the system may        automatically shut down after running ten minutes without user        intervention.

Seat Warmer

-   -   Program the seat warmer to activate at a designated time of day        or as soon as car is unlocked.    -   Program a button on the dash to turn on the seat warmer for five        minutes every 30 minutes after the car is shut off.    -   Circuit monitors battery current and shuts down seat warmers        when appropriate.

Temperature

-   -   Individual user preferences are easily set up and transferred        using multiple transfer devices (keys/fobs).    -   Select “Alfresco” mode and system automatically boosts A/C or        heating output as needed when convertible top is lowered.    -   Different settings for the front passenger seat can be selected        depending on whether or not the seat is occupied.

Humidity

-   -   Select desired relative humidity with slider control or RESET to        factory defaults.        Navigation

Address Entry

-   -   Enter addresses using computer keyboard or by dragging and        dropping from Web site or address book.    -   While driving, a designated cockpit button can be pressed to        store the current location, which can then be uploaded to the        home computer and Web site.

Address Library

-   -   Enter or select a new or saved address on the home computer;        elect to have this loaded as the destination address when car        starts.

Trip Planning

-   -   Book hotel rooms (through third-party Web site) by clicking on a        map for the final destination and on intermediate stops if        appropriate.    -   Select points of interest within a selected range along the        route.    -   Purchase tickets or passes or make reservations for events or        movies or restaurants.    -   Receive notification when its getting close to time to refill        the tank at an upcoming preferred gas station(s).

Route Planning

-   -   Select addresses from address library and obtain most efficient        route plan given the time of day, distances and known traffic        conditions.        Mobile Phone

Phone Book

-   -   Selected numbers (and addresses) from computer phone book are        available to the phone (and Navigation) system.

Voice Dialing

-   -   Activate voice dialing on selected phone numbers from phone        book.

Phone Voice Commands

-   -   Select key words that will activate voice-dialing functions        (call, end, mute, switch).        Personalization

Horn Effects

-   -   Select synthesized horn sounds from a list.    -   Select horn response mode, e.g., pushing the horn switch and        holding it in sounds the warning horn sound as normal; one quick        tap sounds a different horn sound (“friendly” light-is-green        horn); two quick taps sounds a brief personalized “tune”, e.g.,        driver's signature “I'm home” tune.

Interior Lighting Effects

-   -   Select the color and intensity of dial/dash backlighting.    -   Selected preferred cabin “atmosphere” when door is opened (dim        cabin lighting, full-on bright, others).    -   Link lights to doors, e.g., opening only driver's door turns on        only left-front map light; when rear doors are opened rear        lights also activate.

Sound Effects

-   -   Select the sound the turn indicator makes.    -   Select a sound if the gas cap is not on or seated.    -   Select a sound when motorized seats are being adjusted.    -   Personalized seat-belt warning.    -   Select an alert sound when driving above a preset speed.    -   Select keys-in-ignition reminder tone.

Visual Effects

-   -   Add a photo or image to the LCD.    -   Screensaver for LCD when vehicle is in Park.

Voice Commands

-   -   Select any number of short voice commands to accomplish listed        specific in-cabin tasks: “Open sunroof.”, Open my window.”,        “High beams.”, etc.        In-Vehicle Interface

Systems & Controls

-   -   Customize the function of “function buttons” to control selected        functions of any system in the car.    -   In cars with touch screen LCDs, select from among the components        of the systems to be displayed and/or controlled from the LCD.

Buttons

-   -   Program any button in the cabin to do just about anything.

Vehicle

Safety

Window & Sunroof Control

-   -   Set each window so the occupant of the adjoining seat can only        lower the window to a selected level.    -   Lock window controls at selected seats.    -   Set a button in the cockpit to lower a preset amount/close all        or selected windows and open/close the sunroof.    -   Set the sunroof to partially open when the inside temperature        exceeds a predetermined temperature. Also have the fan come on        at the desired speed for selectable intervals.

Seatbelts

-   -   Disable engine start if all or selected seats with passengers        don't have seat belts fastened.

Speed Governor

-   -   Sound a selected warning sound when the car exceeds a specified        speed.    -   Make the warning louder the higher above the preset speed the        car goes    -   Limit the maximum speed of the car.    -   Limit the maximum rate of acceleration.

Vehicle Tracking

-   -   Using GPS or mobile phone, create a log of where the car has        been, when and for how long. Also track how hard the car was        driven.    -   Set up real-time tracking of the vehicle

Accident

-   -   Set some or all of interior lights to flash and the horn to        sound.    -   Enable transmission of GPS coordinates.        Security

Door Locks

-   -   Determine if and at what speed all or selected doors lock.    -   Set certain doors to unlock only after one or both of the front        doors have been opened for a selected period of time.    -   Enable “lock doors” voice command.

Window Control

-   -   (see Safety above)    -   Enable voice command for “windows up.”

Panic Alert

-   -   Function button or voice command that locks all doors, rolls up        windows, flashes lights, sounds an emergency “siren”.    -   Enable “panic button” to call one or more predetermined phone        numbers and deliver and repeat a voice synthesized message when        the call is answered.    -   Add vehicle location to the message.

Door Access

-   -   Disable opening one or more doors from the outside unless one or        more specific doors are opened from the inside.

Lighting

-   -   Select how long and which of the external and internal lights go        on after unlock, all doors closed, engine start, vehicle speed.

Alarms

-   -   Program security codes.    -   Select functions for key-fob panic button (e.g., flash lights,        activate “I need help!” synthesized-voice horn).        Performance

Suspension Control

-   -   Adjust the ride of computerized suspension from sport to luxury        or anywhere in between.

Engine Control

-   -   Select within a range between economy and performance

Transmission Control

-   -   Within factory-set ranges, determine shift aggressiveness (e.g.,        allow max-rpm shifts or always shift as early as possible for        best economy).

Steering

-   -   Adjust the feel of steering from stiffer to lighter using an        infinitely variable slider.

Winter

-   -   Click box to optimize car for poor-weather (e.g., transmission        starts in second gear, max traction control intervention, ABS        fires at minimum lock detection, etc.).        Tuning

Sport Mode

-   -   Set up one-button high-performance profile (e.g., low-economy,        max power, max transmission aggressiveness, stiffest shocks).

Turbo Boost

-   -   Within factory range, adjust turbo pressure to favor economy,        sport mode or point in between.

Handling

-   -   Select spring/shock rates, select steering ratio, select        traction control response, etc.        Emergency Information

Contacts

-   -   In case of emergency or accident, list numbers to contact to        speak to hands-free or with a pre-entered voice synthesized        call.    -   In event of airbag deployment, selected contact name and number        to flash on LCD to assist rescue personnel in case of driver        incapacitation.

Other Notifications

-   -   Transmit vital information to insurance company.

Emergency Aid

-   -   One button summons list and numbers for nearest hospitals,        police, fire, pharmacy, etc. based on GPS location—plus preset        list of needed phone numbers (friends, family doctor, school,        etc).

Information & Service

Trip Logs

Daily Mileage Logs

-   -   Record and display distances traveled.    -   Record routes traveled.    -   Record and display fuel consumed.    -   Calculate a “cost per mile” of operation, including tire wear,        gas mileage, lease and insurance cost, etc.    -   Selectively clear various logs.    -   Set additional or alternative criteria for “measuring” various        parameters of daily use.

Trip Mileage Logs

-   -   On trips of a preset duration in hours, days, miles or upon        pushing a “start trip” function button, record distances between        stops, total trip mileage, average speed gas mileage for the        entire trip or trip segments, etc.

Cumulative Data

-   -   Record all possible or selected data from a master reset done at        the dealer upon delivery of the car.

Guest Logs

-   -   Record trip information (route points, speeds, time) from        selected start to stop points.

Service & Diagnostics

Last Service

-   -   At what mileage.    -   On what day and time.    -   At what dealer.    -   At what cost.    -   What was done.

Next Service

-   -   Anticipated date based on how the car is being driven, etc.    -   What will be serviced at the next service.    -   What bugs in the car need to be fixed.    -   What will it cost.    -   How much time should it take.    -   Request email within predetermined period before the service        should be done as a reminder.    -   Request phone contact from nearest or selected dealer to set an        appointment.    -   Request dealer assistance in getting the car to service and        back.

Diagnostics

-   -   Send diagnostic codes to manufacturer and dealer.    -   Receive software and firmware-based fixes.

Firmware & Software Updates

-   -   Receive periodic updates to operating systems, that enable new        functionality.

Interactive User's Manual

Virtual Test Drive

-   -   Animate various controls on the home computer screen.

Learn & Setup

-   -   Interactively learn the various options and settings available        in the car.

Automatic Tutor

-   -   Based on data collected from vehicle, user is prompted to learn        about controls/systems that have not yet been set (e.g., “You        have not yet set up your Address Book. Would you like        assistance?”).        Weather and Driving Conditions

Forecast

-   -   Obtain weather forecast for travel area.

Road Conditions

-   -   Obtain reports of road conditions, accidents, clogged traffic,        roadwork being conducted, etc.

Safety Kit

-   -   Obtain list of suggested bring-along items based on weather        forecast and planned travel route (snow chains, ice scraper,        sunscreen, full tank—few filling stations on the way, etc).        Contact Vehicle Manufacturer

FAQ

-   -   Access a searchable database of FAQs

Help

-   -   Access a searchable “help” database.    -   Email the service center with specific questions and issues.

Vehicle-specific Information

-   -   Send vehicle data to manufacturer. Receive feedback and/or        contact information after data has been received and analyzed.

Nearest Dealerships

-   -   Access list with maps of closest dealers, etc.

Customer Relations

-   -   Subscribe to newsletter.    -   Subscribe to other periodic news about vehicle and/or related        interests.    -   Request notification about new model introductions.    -   Elect to receive periodic questionnaires relating to        satisfaction, etc.    -   Request results of surveys about quality, customer satisfaction,        etc.    -   Request notification about special offers and events.        Shop

Driving Accessories

-   -   Order custom car mats, spill-proof coffee mugs, first-aid kits,        CD carriers, seat covers, car covers, etc.

Logo Wear

-   -   Order jackets, shirts, luggage, gloves, sunglasses, hats, golf        bags, etc.

Performance Accessories

-   -   Order optional wheels, gold-trim kits, trailer hitches, aero        body kits, roof racks, bicycle carriers, audio/visual equipment,        etc.

Events

-   -   Order tickets to manufacturer-sponsored races, motor shows,        sporting events, social gatherings, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface that may beemployed with the present invention to set programmable features of amotor vehicle's entertainment system. The interface utilizes pull-downmenus, data entry windows, buttons, sliders, etc., which are readilyimplemented by persons proficient in website design. The programmablefeatures shown in FIG. 3 are merely illustrative of those that can beimplemented. The particular features that are made available on thegraphical user interface would be specified by the motor vehiclemanufacturer and would be constrained by the hardware and softwarespecifications of the particular vehicle.

FIG. 4 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface that may beemployed with the present invention to set programmable features of amotor vehicle's climate control system.

Use of the present invention facilitates customized driver controls anddisplays. For example, touch screen LCD or similar display panels arenow used in many automobiles. Using a graphical user interface, a drivercan design a customized set of controls for operating features ofinterest to that driver. One driver may wish to have certain radioselections readily available, whereas another driver may wish to haveavailable a selection of destinations for the navigation system. Thesepreferences are communicated via the transfer device as described above.Controls that are customized in this manner are not limited to touchscreen selections. By the same process, driver defined functions may beassigned to buttons, dials and other mechanical controls as well tocreate individualized “function keys.” Likewise, displays available tothe driver may also be customized.

FIG. 5 illustrates a portion of a graphical user interface for creatinga customized control/display panel. The top portion of the interfaceprovides a menu of controls and displays that may be dragged and droppedonto a graphic representation of the vehicle's control/display panel inthe bottom portion of the interface. In this manner, a user mayconstruct a hierarchy of control/display panels for various systems ofthe vehicle and/or driving situations. A “home” panel may be configuredwith controls and displays that are most used by the driver. Subsidiarypanels, accessible from the “home” panel, may be created in whateverconfigurations the driver desires. Selections available to the driverwhen creating customized panels may include background colors and/orpatterns. The panel may be programmed with “wallpaper” and“screensavers”, much as computer displays are customized by their users.

It will be recognized that the above-described invention may be embodiedin other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essentialcharacteristics of the disclosure. Thus, it is understood that theinvention is not to be limited by the foregoing illustrative details,but rather is to be defined by the appended claims.

1. A method for setting a programmable feature of an automobile soundsystem comprising: providing an interactive site on a global computernetwork; providing a graphical user interface at the interactive site,said graphical user interface graphically depicting a programmablefeature of an automobile sound system; establishing a connection betweena user's computer and the interactive site; entering data with theuser's computer to set the programmable feature of the automobile soundsystem at the interactive site; providing a portable transfer deviceseparate from the user's computer having an input port and an outputport; downloading set-up data for the programmable feature of theautomobile sound system from the interactive site to the user'scomputer; coupling the input port of the transfer device to thecomputer; transferring the set-up data from the computer to the transferdevice; coupling the output port of the transfer device to theautomobile sound system; and transferring the set-up data from thetransfer device to the automobile sound system.
 2. A method for settinga programmable feature of an automobile sound system comprising:providing an interactive site on a global computer network; establishinga connection with the interactive site; interactively setting aprogrammable feature of an automobile sound system at the interactivesite; transferring set-up data for the programmable feature from theinteractive site to the automobile sound system; setting a programmablefeature of the automobile sound system by user input to a controlphysically associated with the automobile sound system; transferring theuser-input setting of the programmable feature from the automobile soundsystem to the interactive site.
 3. A method for setting a programmablefeature of an automobile HVAC system comprising: providing aninteractive site on a global computer network; providing a graphicaluser interface at the interactive site, said graphical user interfacegraphically depicting a programmable feature of an automobile HVACsystem; establishing a connection between a user's computer and theinteractive site; entering data with the user's computer to set theprogrammable feature of the automobile HVAC system at the interactivesite; providing a portable transfer device separate from the user'scomputer having an input port and an output port; downloading set-updata for the programmable feature of the automobile HVAC system from theinteractive site to the user's computer; coupling the input port of thetransfer device to the computer; transferring the set-up data from thecomputer to the transfer device; coupling the output port of thetransfer device to the automobile HVAC system; and transferring theset-up data from the transfer device to the automobile HVAC system.
 4. Amethod for setting a programmable feature of an automobile HVAC systemcomprising: providing an interactive site on a global computer network;establishing a connection with the interactive site; interactivelysetting a programmable feature of an automobile HVAC system at theinteractive site; transferring set-up data for the programmable featurefrom the interactive site to the automobile HVAC system; setting aprogrammable feature of the automobile HVAC system by user input to acontrol physically associated with the automobile HVAC system;transferring the user-input setting of the programmable feature from theautomobile HVAC system to the interactive site.